[0001] The present invention relates generally to brush chipper assemblies, and more specifically,
to a brush chipper assembly with counter-rotating feeder rollers and chipping heads.
Further, it relates to a method for chipping brush.
[0002] Conventional brush chippers are typically configured with a housing which accommodates
a single, relatively large, rotatable drum or roller. In such chippers, the drum is
mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. Carried on the outer surface of the
drum is a plurality of cutting or chipping elements which are designed to make contact
with the brush as the drum is rotated, and to reduce the brush to chips. Such chippers
often have a conveyor system consisting of combination of one or more conveyor belts
or feeder rollers. This system serves to transport the brush being fed into the front
of the housing, rearward toward the drum. Commonly, the drum is rotated in a clockwise
direction such that the horizontal component of the force exerted by the cutting elements
on the brush acts in the same rearward direction.
[0003] To improve effective chipping action of their brush chippers, some brush chipper
manufacturers have increased the size of their drum to expose the brush to a broader
chipping area. These large diameter brush chippers tend to be very powerful and exhibit
good chipping abilities, but because of their weight they tend to draw more power
than smaller-sized drums and require a more robust support frame and bearings. Also,
based on safety considerations, there may be some constraints as to the speed at which
such drums may be rotated.
[0004] In light of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to have a brush chipper assembly
that exhibits enhanced chipping action without requiring the use of a relatively,
large sized, heavy drum with significant energy demands.
[0005] CA2429055A1 discloses a transportable canting mill which uses hydraulic powered feeder rollers
on extendable hydraulic arms to pass a log through two pairs of opposing chipping
cylinders to hydraulic powered extraction rollers, all within a wheeled frame container
that can be used at or near a logging site to turn substantially round, raw timber
into easily stacked an hauled lengths of lumber that is square or rectangular in cross
section. The feeder rollers are inside of the housing which means, that a log must
fit to the hole of the front of the housing in order to mill the log. There is another
hole opening at the back end of the mill, where the milled beam exits the apparatus.
This is necessary, as
CA 2429055A1 is directed to a canting mill that receives round logs and mills them into square
or rectangular beams. The feeder rollers furthermore operate like piston cylinders.
[0006] US5088532A discloses a method and mechanism for controlling the material feed to a machine for
chipping wood or brush. The machine has a pair of coacting feed rolls which feed material
to be chipped into a rotating chipper that is driven by an engine of variable speed.
Hydraulic motors for driving each of the feed rolls are actuated when the speed of
the engine is at least a selected high level appropriate for efficient chipping. If
the material is of a size or composition to load the engine below a selected low level
adverse to efficient chipping, the hydraulic motors are interrupted to stop feeding
of the material to allow the engine to return to an efficient chipping speed. The
mechanism has just one movable feed roll. That feed roll is movably transversely of
the feed chute toward and away from the stationary feed roll in response to material
fed between the rolls.
[0007] US2008/0272215A1 discloses a feed roller assembly wherein the feed roller provides a force perpendicular
to the feed direction of the brush material. The feed rollers are linearly movable.
Both feed rollers are contained in the housing.
[0008] JP H09 207109A offers an apparatus with two rotary drums, that are arranged side by side in a state
traversing the interior of an apparatus main body. One rotary drum is rotationally
driven by a belt transmission means and a motor. The rotary drums are contained in
the housing and comprise mashing teeth such that the one rotary drum rotates the other
rotary drum.
[0009] In accordance with the present invention a brush chipper assembly is provided which
comprises a housing, a feeder subassembly connected to the housing, and a chipping
subassembly substantially contained within the housing behind the feeder subassembly.
The feeder subassembly includes opposed, spaced apart, left and right feeder rollers.
When the feeder subassembly is actuated, the left feeder roller is operable to rotate
in a counter-clockwise direction and the right feeder roller is operable to rotate
in a clockwise direction so as to draw the brush to be chipped into the housing. The
chipping subassembly includes left and right, opposed, spaced apart, chipping heads
and a drive assembly for driving rotation of the left and right chipping heads. Each
chipping head carries a plurality of cutting teeth for chipping the brush fed into
the brush chipper assembly. When the chipping subassembly is actuated, the left chipping
head is operable to rotate in a clockwise direction and the right chipping head is
operable to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. The brush chipper assembly further
comprises upper and lower linkage mechanisms connected to the left and right feeder
rollers and the housing. Each feeder roller is mounted between, and supported by,
portions of the upper linkage mechanism and the lower linkage mechanism. The upper
and lower linkage mechanisms are operable to move the left and right feeder rollers
between respective first positions and respective second positions to adjust the spacing
between the feeder rollers. In the respective first positions, the space between the
left and right feeder rollers is at its smallest, and in the respective second positions,
the space between the left and right feeder rollers is at its largest. The feeder
subassembly is carried in front of the housing and the left and right feeder rollers
are biased in their respective first positions. The upper and lower linkage mechanisms,
when actuated, cooperate with each other to allow the left and right feeder rollers
to pivot from their respective first positions to their respective second positions.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, when brush is fed into the brush chipper
assembly the rotation of the feeder rollers generates a propulsive force directed
toward the chipping heads and the rotation of the chipping heads causes the cutting
teeth to come into contact with the brush thereby generating an impact force acting
in a direction opposite to the direction of the propulsive force.
[0011] According to one embodiment the left and right feeder rollers are vertically oriented
and the left and right chipping heads are vertically oriented.
[0012] In an alternative embodiment the left and right feeder rollers are horizontally oriented
and the left and right chipping heads are horizontally oriented.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention each feeder roller includes a roller
body and a drive block operatively connected to the roller body for driving rotation
of the roller body.
[0014] Preferably the roller body of each feeder roller carries on its outer surface a plurality
of spikes for gripping the brush to be chipped.
[0015] In a further aspect of the invention the drive assembly is selected from the group
consisting of: (a) a direct drive assembly and (b) a belt drive assembly.
[0016] According to preferred aspects of the invention the brush chipper assembly further
comprises a controller operable to adjust the speed at which the feeder rollers and
the chipping heads rotate.
[0017] Further, the invention pertains to a method for chipping brush. The method comprises
the following steps:
- providing a chipper assembly having a housing, a feeder subassembly connected to the
housing wherein the feeder subassembly includes opposed, spaced apart, left and right
feeder rollers, and a chipping subassembly substantially contained within the housing
behind the feeder subassembly wherein the chipping subassembly includes left and right,
opposed, spaced apart, chipping heads and a drive assembly for driving rotation of
the left and right chipping heads and wherein each chipping head carries a plurality
of cutting teeth for chipping the brush fed into the brush chipper assembly; further
comprising upper and lower linkage mechanisms connected to the left and right feeder
rollers and the housing; each feeder roller being mounted between, and supported by,
portions of the upper linkage mechanism and the lower linkage mechanism; wherein the
upper and lower linkage mechanisms are operable to move the left and right feeder
rollers between respective first positions and respective second positions to adjust
the spacing between the feeder rollers. In the respective first positions, the space
between the left and right feeder rollers is at its smallest, and in the respective
second positions, the space between the left and right feeder rollers is at its largest;
- actuating the feeder subassembly to cause the left feeder roller to rotate in a counter-clockwise
direction and the right feeder roller to rotate in a clockwise direction;
- actuating the chipping subassembly to cause the left chipping head to rotate in a
clockwise direction and the right chipping head to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction;
- introducing the brush between the rotating left and right feeder rollers;
- drawing the brush towards the chipping heads;
- causing the cutting teeth of the chipping heads to come into contact with the brush
and reduce it to chips; and
- evacuating the chips from the interior of the housing.
[0018] According to the invention the feeder subassembly is carried in front of the housing;
the left and right feeder rollers are biased in their respective first positions;
the upper and lower linkage mechanisms, when actuated, cooperate with each other to
allow the left and right feeder rollers to pivot from their respective first positions
to their respective second positions.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment the method according to the invention further comprises
the step of adjusting the rotational speed of the feeder rollers and the chipping
heads.
[0020] According to another aspect of the inventive method each feeder roller includes a
roller body and each roller body carries on its outer surface a plurality of spikes
for gripping the brush to be chipped. The step of drawing of the brush towards the
chipping heads includes: causing the spikes on the roller body of each feeder roller
to engage the brush and generating a propulsive force towards the chipping heads that
acts on the brush.
[0021] In a further embodiment the step of causing the cutting teeth of the chipping heads
to come into contact with the brush and reduce it to chips, includes the step of:
generating an impact force acting on the brush in a direction opposite to the direction
of the propulsive force and chipping the brush by splitting the inner portion of the
brush.
[0022] The embodiments of the present invention shall be more clearly understood with reference
to the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front view looking down taken at a brush chipper assembly according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the brush chipper assembly of FIG. 1 showing the left
and right feeder rollers of the feeder subassembly;
FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the brush chipper assembly of FIG. 1 with a portion of
the housing of the brush chipper assembly removed to reveal details of the left and
right chipping heads of the chipping subassembly;
FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the brush chipper assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a left side elevation view of the brush chipper assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6A is a top plan view of the brush chipper assembly of FIG. 2 showing the left and right
feeder rollers of the feeder subassembly occupying respective first positions wherein
a preset minimum gap exists between the left and right feeder rollers;
FIG. 6B is another top plan view similar to that shown in FIG. 6A except that the left and
right feeder rollers of the feeder subassembly are shown moving from their respective
first positions (depicted in dashed lines) to their respective second positions (depicted
in solid lines) wherein a preset maximum gap exists between the left and right feeder
rollers;
FIG. 7A is another top plan view similar to that shown in FIG. 6A except that the upper linkage
mechanism connecting the left feeder roller to the right feeder roller has been removed
to better reveal details of the drive assembly of the chipping subassembly;
FIG. 7B is a partial perspective view of the brush chipper assembly illustrated in FIG. 7A
showing the drive assembly of the chipping subassembly;
FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the brush chipper assembly of FIG. 2;
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the brush chipper assembly shown in FIG. 2 taken along
line "9A-9A" with the hydraulic motor of the drive assembly omitted for clarity;
FIG. 9B is an enlarged end view of the encircled portion "9B" of the brush chipper assembly
illustrated in FIG. 9A showing a cutting tooth assembly of the right chipping head;
FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 9A showing a tree
branch being drawn into the brush chipper assembly by the counter-rotating left and
right feeder rollers and being acted upon by the oppositely counter-rotating left
and right chipper rollers to produce wood chips therefrom;
FIG. 11 is an isolated perspective view of the housing of the brush chipper assembly shown
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 12A is an isolated side elevation view of the right feeder roller illustrated in FIG.
4, with a portion of the roller body removed to reveal details of the interior thereof;
FIG. 12B is an isolated cross-sectional view of the bottom bearing support and the bottom
shaft of the right feeder roller shown in FIG. 12A;
FIG. 12C is an exploded view of the bottom bearing support shown in FIG. 12B;
FIG. 13A is an isolated side elevation view of the right chipping head illustrated in FIG.
3, with collars, cutting tooth assemblies and a portion of the support body removed
to reveal details of the interior of the support body, including the arrangement of
upper and lower coupling assemblies within the hollow of the support body;
FIG. 13B is an isolated cross-sectional view of the upper coupling assembly of the right chipping
head shown in FIG. 13A; and
FIG. 13C is an exploded view of the upper coupling assembly shown in FIG. 13B.
[0023] The description which follows, and the embodiments described therein are provided
by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of principles
and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes
of explanation and not of limitation, of those principles of the invention. In the
description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the
drawings with the same respective reference numerals.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, there is shown a brush chipper assembly generally designated
with reference numeral 20. The brush chipper assembly 20 is operable to reduce felled
trees, tree trimmings, branches or other like feedstock into wood chips and cutting
debris. It is of the type which may be attached to a frame provided at the end of
a hopper, a trailer or the like, or which may be incorporated as part of a combined
chipping and baling machine or other similar machine. The brush chipper assembly 20
includes a housing 22, a feeder subassembly 24 carried in front of the housing 22,
and a chipping subassembly 26 substantially contained within the housing 22 behind
the feeder subassembly 24.
[0025] By way of general overview, the feeder subassembly 24 includes opposed, vertically
extending, left and right feeder rollers 28 and 30, and upper and lower linkage mechanisms
32 and 34 connected to the feeder rollers 28 and 30 and operable to adjust the gap
G between the left feeder roller 28 and the right feeder roller 30. When counter-rotated
(i.e. when each is rotated in a direction opposite to the other), the feeder rollers
28 and 30 cooperate with each other to draw rearwardly into the chipping subassembly
26 the felled trees, tree trimmings, branches or the like which are to be reduced
to wood chips. As depicted in FIG. 10, to achieve this result, the left feeder roller
28 is rotated counter-clockwise and the right feeder roller 30 is rotated clockwise.
[0026] The main components of the chipping subassembly 26 are opposed, vertically extending,
left and right chipping heads 36 and 38, and a drive assembly 40 for driving rotation
of the left and right chipping heads 36 and 38. The chipping heads carry a plurality
of cutting teeth for chipping the feedstock. During actuation of the chipping subassembly
26, the left and right chipping heads 36 and 38 are also counter-rotated (i.e. each
is rotated in a direction opposite to the other) to reduce the feedstock to wood chips
and chipping debris. However, as will be explained in greater detail below, the rotation
of the chipping heads 36 and 38 is such that it opposes the advance of the feedstock
further into the housing 22. This occurs because the left chipping head 36 is rotated
clockwise (in a direction opposite to that of the left feeder roller 28) and the right
chipping head 38 is rotated counter-clockwise (in a direction opposite to that of
the right feeder roller 30), as shown in FIG. 10. The horizontal component of the
force generated by the impact of the cutting teeth on the feedstock, acts in a direction
opposite to the direction of the propulsive force of the feeder rollers 28 and 30
(i.e. the direction of travel of the branch 810). As a result, a more effective chipping
action may be achieved.
[0027] Turning now to a more detailed discussion of the elements referred to above and with
reference to FIGS. 9 and 11, the housing 22 has a frame 42 of welded construction
which is made up of several frame elements, namely: top left and right panels 44 and
46, bottom left and right panels 48 and 50 disposed opposite the top panels 44 and
46, a left sidewall member 52 extending between the top left panel 44 and the bottom
left panel 48, and a right sidewall member 54 extending between the top right panel
46 and the bottom right panel 50. The top left panel 44, the bottom left panel 48
and the left sidewall member 52 are arranged to form a mirror image of the top right
panel 46, the bottom right panel 50 and the right sidewall member 54. In like fashion,
the top left and right panels 44 and 46, and the bottom left and right panels 48 and
50 are symmetrically arranged about a notional horizontal plane H extending through
the frame 42.
[0028] As a result of the horizontal and vertical symmetry of the frame 42, the panels 44,
46, 48 and 50 resemble each other, such that the description of top left panel 44
will generally suffice for the other panels 46, 48 and 50. Where necessary, a more
specific description of the other panels 46, 48 and 50 will be provided. Top left
panel 44 is fabricated from structural steel and has a top face 56 and a bottom face
58 (visible in FIG. 5). The panel 44 is generally square-shaped with two truncated
corner portions 62 and 64 trimmed at an angle - one of which (corner portion 62) significantly
so. The corner portion 66 is smoothly radiused. The shape of the panel 44 is defined
by a plurality of edges, namely: a front edge 68 extending between front right and
left right corner portions 60 and 62; a left side edge 72 extending between the front
left corner portion 62 and the rear left corner portion 66; a rear edge 74 running
between the rear left corner portion 66 and the rear right corner portion 64; and
a right side edge 78 extending between the rear right corner edge 76 and the front
right corner portion 60.
[0029] Cut into the right side edge 78 at a location closer to corner portion 60 than to
corner portion 64, is an oblong rebate 80. A corresponding rebate 82 is formed in
the top right panel 46 and because of the symmetry of the frame 42 the rebate 82 is
disposed directly opposite to the rebate 80. The rebate 80 in the top left panel 44
is aligned with a corresponding rebate 84 formed in the bottom left panel 48. The
rebates 80 and 84 are configured to receive portions of the left chipping head 36.
Similarly, a rebate 82 in the top right panel 46 is aligned with a corresponding rebate
86 defined in the bottom right panel 50. The rebates 82 and 86 are configured to receive
portions of the right chipping head 38.
[0030] The top left panel 44 also has a cylindrical support member 90 that stands tall from,
and is welded to, its top face 56 at a location closer to rear and left side edges
74 and 72 than to the front and right side edges 68 and 78. The support member 90
carries a short post 92 which is configured for engagement with a portion of the upper
linkage mechanism 32. The short post 92 includes a lower portion 94 and an upper portion
96. The lower portion 92 has a slightly larger diameter than the upper portion 96,
and has a smooth outer wall 98. The upper portion 94 has threading along its outer
wall 100.
[0031] The other panels 46, 48 and 50 also have similarly formed cylindrical support members
110, 112 and 114, respectively, projecting from their respective top faces, except
that the cylindrical support member 110 stands taller than the support members 90,
112 and 114. As will be explained in greater detail below, the cylindrical support
members 90 and 110 provide points of attachment for the upper linkage mechanism 32
while the cylindrical support members 112 and 114 support provide points of attachment
for the lower linkage mechanism 34.
[0032] As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the front edge 68 of the top left panel 44 is carried
higher than the rear edge 74 thereof; the portion of the left top panel 44 adjacent
the front edge 68 being upturned to form a top left deflector 120 for deflecting away
chipping debris. The right top panel 46 is similarly formed with a top right deflector
122. In the case of the bottom left and right panels 48 and 50, the portion of these
panels that are adjacent their respective front edges 124 and 126 are turned downwardly
to form bottom left and right deflectors 128 and 130.
[0033] Adjacent the front left corner edge 70 of the top left panel 44, there is defined
a relatively large circular aperture 132 sized to receive a portion of the drive assembly
40.
[0034] Plates 134 and 136 fastened to the top left and right panels 44 and 46 serve to connect
the left and right sides of the frame 42. In a like arrangement, plates 138 and 140
are fastened to the bottom left and right panels 48 and 50 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0035] Each of the top and bottom left panels 44 and 48 have a set of four apertures 142,
144, respectively, defined adjacent their respective left rear corner portions. The
apertures 142 in panel 44 are aligned with the apertures 144 in panel 48. Both sets
of apertures 142 and 144 are configured to receive fasteners for attaching a reinforcement
post (not shown) between the panels 44 and 48. Similarly, each of the top and bottom
right panels 46 and 50 have a set of four apertures 146, 148, respectively, defined
adjacent their respective right rear corner portions. The apertures 146 in panel 46
are aligned with the apertures 148 in panel 50. Both sets of apertures 146 and 148
are configured to receive fasteners for attaching a reinforcement post (not shown)
between the panels 46 and 50.
[0036] As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the left sidewall member 52 resembles the right
sidewall member 54 - the one being the mirror image of the other, such that a description
of the former will generally suffice for the latter. The sidewall member 52 has an
upper edge 160, a lower edge 162, a front edge 164 and rear edge 166, and is formed
with a curved portion 168 and a straight portion 170. The left sidewall member 52
extends vertically between the top and bottom left panels 44 and 48, and is welded
along its upper edge 160 to the lower face 58 of the top left panel 44, and along
its lower edge 162 to the upper face 174 of the bottom left panel 46. In the case
of the right sidewall member 54, its upper edge 176 is welded to the lower face 178
of top right panel 46 and its lower edge 180 is welded to the upper face 182 of the
bottom right panel 48.
[0037] The curved portion 168 of the left sidewall member 52 extends from the front edge
164 thereof to terminate at a transition section 184 located closer to the rear edge
166 than the front edge 164. The straight portion 170 of the left sidewall member
52 runs from the transition section 184 until the rear edge 166. The left sidewall
member 52 is arranged diagonally between the front edges 68 and 124 of the top and
bottom left panels 44 and 48 and the rear edges 74 and 192 thereof, with its curved
portion 168 positioned opposite the left chipping head 36. Disposed in this fashion,
the curved portion 168 defined as a protective well 193 for the left chipping head
36. The straight portion 170 of the left sidewall member 52 flares outwardly away
from the curved portion 168 and operates to deflect wood chips and chipping debris.
[0038] The right sidewall member 54 is similarly formed with a curved portion 194 and a
straight portion 196, and it extends diagonally between the front edges 198 and 126
of the top and bottom right panels 46 and 50 and the rear edges 200 and 202 thereof.
The curved portion 194 of the right sidewall member 54 defines a protective well 195
for the right chipping head 38. The straight portion 196 of the right sidewall member
52 flares outwardly away from the curved portion 150.
[0039] The components of the feeder subassembly 24 are now described in greater detail.
Each feeder roller 28 and 30 is mounted between, and supported by, portions of the
upper linkage mechanism 32 and the lower linkage mechanism 34. As shown in FIGS. 6A
and 6B, the upper linkage mechanism 32 includes left and right primary linkage arms
210 and 212, left and right secondary linkage arms 214 and 216, and a hydraulic piston
218. The left and right primary linkage arms 210 and 212 connect the left and right
feeder rollers 28 and 30, respectively, to the frame 42, while the left and right
secondary linkage arms 214 and 216 tie the left and right primary linkage arms 210
and 212, respectively, to the hydraulic piston 218.
[0040] The left primary linkage arm 210 has an enlarged front end portion 220, a comparatively
smaller rear end portion 222 and a tapered intermediate portion 224 joining the front
and rear end portions 220 and 222 to each other. The front end portion 220 is carried
forwardly of the front edge 68 of the top left panel 44. It has a relatively large
aperture (not visible) formed therein sized to receive the upper portion of the left
feeder roller 28. Defined in the front end portion 220 at locations surrounding the
relatively large aperture, are bores (not shown) which are configured to receive therethrough
bolts for attaching the left feeder roller 28 to the upper linkage mechanism 32.
[0041] The rear end portion 222 is also apertured and is configured to fit onto the short
post 92 extending from the cylindrical support member 90. A nut 226 fastened on the
threaded upper portion 96 of short post 92 retains the rear end portion 222 in place.
When the upper linkage mechanism 32 is actuated, the rear end portion 222 can be made
to pivot about the short post 92.
[0042] The left secondary linkage arm 214 has a front end 228 pivotally connected to the
left primary linkage arm adjacent the front end portion 220, and a rear end 230 pivotally
connected to a short bar 232 attached to the hydraulic piston 218. The front end 228
of the linkage arm 214 is attached to the top face of the tapered intermediate portion
224.
[0043] This arrangement of primary and secondary linkage arms is substantially reproduced
on the right side of the upper linkage mechanism 32 with the right primary linkage
arm 212 and the right secondary linkage arm 216. In like fashion to left primary linkage
arm 210, the right primary linkage arm 212 has an enlarged front end portion 240,
a comparatively smaller rear end portion 242 and a tapered intermediate portion 244
joining the front and rear end portions 240 and 242 to each other. The front end portion
240 is carried forwardly of the front edge of the top right panel 46. It has an aperture
(not visible) formed therein sized to receive the upper portion of the right feeder
roller 30. Defined in the front end portion 240 at locations surrounding the relatively
large aperture, are bores (not shown) which are configured to receive therethrough
bolts for attaching the right feeder roller 30 to the upper linkage mechanism 32.
[0044] The rear end portion 242 is also apertured and is configured to fit onto the short
post 246 extending from the cylindrical support member 110. A nut 248 fastened on
the threaded upper portion of the short post 246 retains the rear end portion 242
in place. When the upper linkage mechanism 32 is actuated, the rear end portion 242
is pivotable about the short post 246.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, by reason of the difference in height between the cylindrical
support members 90 and 110, the right primary linkage arm 212 is carried higher than
the left primary linkage arm 210 relative to the top left and right panels 44 and
46. This prevents any physical interference from occurring between left feeder roller
28 and the right feeder roller 30, when the feeder rollers 28 and 30 are moved to
their minimum spacing (see FIG. 6A).
[0046] The right secondary linkage arm 216 has a front end (not visible) pivotally connected
to the right primary linkage arm 212 adjacent the front end portion 240, and a rear
end 252 pivotally connected to the short bar 232. The front end 250 of the linkage
arm 216 is attached to the bottom face of the tapered intermediate portion 244. The
pivotal connection between the short bar 232 and the right secondary linkage arm 216
lies opposite the pivotal connection between the short bar 232 and the left secondary
linkage arm 214.
[0047] The hydraulic piston 218 includes a hydraulic cylinder 260 which is fixed to the
frame 42 by a bracket 262 (visible in FIG. 2), and a piston arm 264 operatively connected
to the hydraulic cylinder 260. One end of the piston arm 264 is retained within the
hydraulic cylinder 260 while the opposite end is fixed to the short bar 232. The piston
arm 264 is moveable between a retracted position 266 shown in solid lines in FIG.
6B and an extended position 268 shown in FIG. 6A and in dashed lines in FIG. 6B. When
the piston arm 264 is in its retracted position 266, the short bar 232 is disposed
closest to the hydraulic cylinder 260 which causes the left and right secondary linkage
members 214 and 216 to be splayed more widely for maximum spacing between the left
feeder roller 28 and the right feeder roller 30. When the piston arm 264 is in its
extended position 268, the short bar 232 is disposed furthest from the hydraulic cylinder
260 which causes the left and right secondary linkage members 214 and 216 to be brought
closer together for minimum spacing between the left feeder roller 28 and the right
feeder roller 30.
[0048] Turning now to the lower linkage mechanism 34 shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen to
be generally similar to the upper linkage mechanism 32 in that it too has left and
right primary linkage arms 270 and 272, left and right secondary linkage arms 274
and 276, and a hydraulic piston 278. The left and right primary linkage arms 270 and
272 connect the left and right feeder rollers 28 and 30, respectively, to the frame
42, while the left and right secondary linkage arms 274 and 276 tie the left and right
primary linkage arms 270 and 272, respectively, to the hydraulic piston 278.
[0049] The left primary linkage arm 270 has an enlarged front end portion 280, a comparatively
smaller rear end portion 282 and a tapered intermediate portion 284 joining the front
and rear end portions 280 and 282 to each other. The front end portion 280 is carried
forwardly of the front edge 124 of the bottom left panel 48. It has an aperture (not
visible) formed therein sized to receive a bottom portion of the left feeder roller
28. Defined in the front end portion 280 at locations surrounding the relatively large
aperture, are bores (not shown) which are configured to receive therethrough bolts
for attaching the left feeder roller 28 to the lower linkage mechanism 34.
[0050] The rear end portion 282 is also apertured and is configured to fit onto the short
post 286 extending from the cylindrical support member 112. A nut 288 fastened on
the threaded upper portion of short post 286 retains the rear end portion 282 in place.
When the lower linkage mechanism 34 is actuated, the rear end portion 282 can be made
to pivot about the short post 286.
[0051] The left secondary linkage arm 274 has a front end 300 pivotally connected to the
left primary linkage arm adjacent the front end portion 280, and a rear end 302 pivotally
connected to a short bar 304 attached to the hydraulic piston 278. The front end 300
of the linkage arm 274 is attached to the bottom face of the tapered intermediate
portion 284.
[0052] This arrangement of primary and secondary linkage arms is substantially reproduced
on the right side of the lower linkage mechanism 34 with the right primary linkage
arm 272 and the right secondary linkage arm 276. In like fashion to left primary linkage
arm 270, the right primary linkage arm 272 has an enlarged front end portion 310,
a comparatively smaller rear end portion 312 and a tapered intermediate portion 314
joining the front and rear end portions 310 and 312 to each other. The front end portion
310 is carried forwardly of the front edge 126 of the bottom left panel 50. It has
an aperture (not visible) formed therein sized to receive the upper portion of the
right feeder roller 30. Defined in the front end portion 310 at locations surrounding
the relatively large aperture, are bores (not shown) which are configured to receive
therethrough bolts for attaching the right feeder roller 30 to the lower linkage mechanism
34.
[0053] The rear end portion 312 is also apertured and is configured to fit onto the short
post 316 extending from the cylindrical support member 114. A nut 318 fastened on
the threaded upper portion of the short post 316 retains the rear end portion 312
in place. When the lower linkage mechanism 34 is actuated, the rear end portion 312
is pivotable about the short post 316.
[0054] The right secondary linkage arm 276 has a front end 320 pivotally connected to the
right primary linkage arm 272 adjacent the front end portion 310, and a rear end 322
pivotally connected to the short bar 304. The front end 320 of the linkage arm 276
is attached to the bottom face of the tapered intermediate portion 314. The pivotal
connection between the short bar 304 and the right secondary linkage arm 276 lies
opposite the pivotal connection between the short bar 304 and the left secondary linkage
arm 274.
[0055] The hydraulic piston 278 includes a hydraulic cylinder 330 which is fixed to the
frame 42 by a bracket 331 (visible in FIG. 2), and a piston arm 332 operatively connected
to the hydraulic cylinder 330. One end of the piston arm 332 is retained within the
hydraulic cylinder 330 while the opposite end is fixed to the short bar 304. The piston
arm 332 is moveable between a retracted position (not shown, but generally similar
to retracted position 266 of the piston arm 264) and an extended position 333 shown
in FIG. 8. When the piston arm 332 is in its retracted position, the short bar 304
is disposed closest to the hydraulic cylinder 330 which causes the left and right
secondary linkage members 274 and 276 to be splayed more widely for maximum spacing
between the left feeder roller 28 and the right feeder roller 30. When the piston
arm 332 is in its extended position 333, the short bar 304 is disposed furthest from
the hydraulic cylinder 330 which causes the left and right secondary linkage members
274 and 276 to be brought closer together for minimum spacing between the left feeder
roller 28 and the right feeder roller 30.
[0056] It will thus be understood that when actuated the upper and lower linkage mechanisms
32 and 34 cooperate with each other to allow the left and right feeder rollers 28
and 30 to move from their respective first positions 334 and 335 (shown in FIG. 6A
in solid lines and in FIG. 6B in dashed lines) to their respective second positions
336 and 337 (shown in FIG. 6B in solid lines). When the left and right feeder rollers
28 and 30 are in their respective first positions 334 and 335, the gap G that is defined
between the outer boundaries of the left and right feeder rollers 28 and 30, is at
its smallest size. In contrast, when the left and right feeder rollers 28 and 30 are
in their respective second positions 334 and 335, the gap G is at largest size. Accordingly,
the gap G can be adjusted to accommodate the diameter or width of the branch or other
feedstock to be reduced to chips by actuating the upper and lower linkage mechanisms
32 and 34. In this embodiment, the gap G when at its smallest size measures 1/8 in.,
sufficient to prevent physical interference between the feeder rollers. It will be
appreciated that the gap G shown in FIG. 6B, is exaggerated somewhat for the purposes
of illustration. The diameter or width of the branch or feedstock will be less than
the gap G when at its largest size.
[0057] In this embodiment, the linkage arms and pistons in each mechanism 32 and 34 are
arranged so that the left feeder roller 28 and the right feeder roller 30 are biased
in their respective first positions 334 and 335 in order to maintain the gap G at
its smallest size. In order to widen the gap G (i.e. move the feeder rollers 28 and
30 away from each other toward their respective second positions 336 and 337), it
is necessary to overcome the biasing force of the upper and lower linkage mechanisms
32 and 34. As explained in greater detail below, this is achieved by applying a force
against the left and right feeder rollers 28 and 30, which force is generated by a
branch or other feedstock as it travels through the feeder subassembly 24.
[0058] It should also be appreciated that the biasing action of the upper and lower linkage
mechanisms 32 and 34 tends to enhance the gripping action of the feeder rollers 28
and 30 and their ability to securely hold the branch or other feedstock in place while
it is conveyed to the chipping subassembly 26. Moreover, it serves to properly align
the branch or other feedstock between the left and right chipping heads 36 and 38.
[0059] Turning now to the right feeder roller 30, a description thereof follows with reference
to FIGS. 12A to 12C. The right feeder roller 30 includes a roller body 340, a bottom
bearing support 342, a bottom shaft 344 fixed to the roller body 340 for connecting
the bottom bearing support 342 to the roller body 340, a drive block 346 and a top
shaft 348 for transmitting the torque generated by the drive block 346 to the roller
body 340.
[0060] The roller body 340 has a hollow cylindrical structure having a top end 360, a bottom
end 362 and a sidewall 364 extending between the top and bottom ends 360 and 362.
In this embodiment, the diameter of the roller body is 14 inches. In other embodiments,
the diameter of the roller body could be sized differently.
[0061] The outer surface 366 of the sidewall 364 carries a plurality of spaced apart, conical
tips or spikes 368 which are adapted to penetrate the tree branch or feedstock and
grip it to allow it to be drawn into the brush chipper assembly 20. The spikes 368
are arranged along a number of rows 370. In this embodiment, there are ten (10) rows
370 of spikes 368 evenly-spaced about the outer surface 366 (see FIG. 9A). These rows
370 alternate between having fifteen (15) or sixteen (16) spikes 368 each. The spikes
368 of any given row 370 are longitudinally offset from the spikes 368 of the next
adjacent row for enhanced coverage along the outer surface 366. In other embodiments,
the spikes could be laid out along a different arrangement.
[0062] Fixed at the top end 360 and extending into the hollow of the roller body 340 is
the top splined socket 372. It is welded to a pair of spaced apart annular plates
374 and 376 whose respective outer edges are themselves welded to the inner surface
378 of the sidewall 364. The top socket 372 is configured for mating engagement with
one end of the top shaft 348.
[0063] The bottom end 362 of the roller body 340 is also provided with a socket 382 (however,
it is not splined), which is held in place by a single annular plate 384. In like
fashion to the outer plates 374 and 376, the outer edge of the annular plate 384 is
welded to the inner surface 378 of the sidewall 364. In this case, the bottom socket
382 receives the first end 386 of the bottom shaft 344, which component is welded
in place.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 12B, the bottom shaft 344 includes a second end 388 disposed opposite
the first end 386, a first shaft portion 390 extending from the first end 386, a second
shaft portion 392 extending from the second end 388 and a third shaft portion 394
located between the first and second portions 390 and 392. Adjacent the second end
388, the second shaft portion 392 has a transverse bore 396 defined therethrough.
[0065] The diameter of the first shaft portion 390 remains constant throughout its length.
In contrast, the diameter of the third shaft portion 394 tapers along a section of
its length in the direction of the second end 388. Lastly, the second shaft portion
392 has a diameter that is smaller than the diameters of the first and third shaft
portions 390 and 394.
[0066] Referring now FIGS. 12B and 12C, the bottom support bearing 342 includes a hub 400
defined by a sidewall 402. The hub 400 is formed with a top hub portion 404, a bottom
hub portion 406 and an intermediate flange portion 408 disposed between the top and
bottom hub portions 404 and 406. The top hub portion 404 accommodates a first bearing
assembly 410 while the bottom hub portion 406 receives a second bearing assembly 412.
The top hub portion 404 is partially closed off by a flanged mud extruder 414 provided
with a central aperture 416. Surrounding the central aperture 416 is a small rebate
in which is seated a first O-ring gasket 420. The flanges of the mud extruder 414,
on the one hand, and a back-up washer 422, on the other hand, together define a space
which accommodates a mechanical seal 424. A second O-ring gasket 426 is disposed between
the back-up washer 422 and the sidewall 402 of the top hub portion 404. The flanged
mud extruder 414, the first O-ring gasket 420, the back-up washer 422 and the mechanical
seal 424 are all configured to fit snugly around the first shaft portion 390 so as
to prevent dust and debris from penetrating into the top hub portion 404 and gumming
up the first bearing assembly 410.
[0067] In this embodiment, the first bearing assembly 410 is a cup and cone bearing. It
includes a cup or outer ring 430 and a cone or inner ring 432 in abutting engagement
with the outer ring 430. The inner ring 432 is sized to receive a section of the third
shaft portion 394. The outer ring 430 sits between the inner surface of the hub sidewall
402 and the inner ring 432.
[0068] The second bearing assembly 412 is similar to the first bearing assembly 410 in that
it too is a cup and cone bearing having an outer ring 434 and inner ring 436. However,
the outer and inner rings 434 and 436 are sized smaller than the outer and inner rings
430 and 432 because the second bearing assembly 412 accommodates a section of the
third shaft portion 394 that has a smaller diameter than that of the shaft section
received in the first bearing assembly 410. Also, the outer and inner rings 434 and
436 are disposed in a mirror image arrangement (along a notional horizontal line not
shown running through the intermediate flange portion 408) to the outer and inner
rings 430 and 432 of the first bearing assembly 410.
[0069] A castle nut 440 is provided for retaining the second bearing assembly 412 in place
within the bottom hub portion 406. The castle nut 406 is sized to fit on the second
shaft portion 392 and in conjunction with a cotter pin 408, fixedly retain the shaft
344. A hub cap 442 is attached to the hub 400 to close off the bottom hub portion
406. Disposed between the hub cap 442 and the hub 400 is an O-ring gasket 444. A grease
fitting 446 is incorporated into the hub cap 442 to lubricate the second bearing assembly
412.
[0070] The intermediate flange portion 408 is formed with a thick collar 448 from which
a six-lobed, star-shaped, projection 450 stands proud. Each lobe 452 of the projection
450 has an aperture 454 defined therein that extends right through the collar 448.
Each aperture 454 is configured to receive a bolt 456 therethrough for securing the
hub 400 to the right primary linkage arm 272 of the lower linkage mechanism 34. When
the right feeder roller 30 is operatively connected to the lower flange mechanism
32, the bottom hub portion 406 is received through the aperture defined in front end
portion 310 of the lower right primary linkage arm 272, and the collar 448 rests upon
and is supported by the front end portion 310.
[0071] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12A, the top shaft 348 has a cylindrical shaft portion 460
that terminates with a mounting plate 462. The end 464 of the shaft portion 460 opposite
the mounting plate 462 is splined for mating engagement with the top socket 372. The
mounting plate 462 has a plurality of bores (not visible) defined therein which are
alignable with corresponding bores (not visible) defined in the mounting plate 466
of a drive shaft 468 (which forms part of the drive block 346) to allow bolts to be
inserted therethrough to securely fasten the drive shaft 468 to the top shaft 348.
[0072] The drive block 346 includes a housing 470 having top and bottom portions 472 and
474 that meet at an intermediate flanged section 476, a hydraulic motor 478 accommodated
within the housing 470, and a drive shaft 468 operatively connected to the motor 478.
The intermediate flange section 476 of the housing 470 has a plurality of bores (not
visible) which are alignable with the bores defined in the right primary linkage arm
212 of the upper linkage mechanism 32, and which are configured to receive bolts 479
therethrough to fixedly secure the drive block 346 to the upper linkage mechanism
32. When the right feeder roller 30 is operatively connected to the upper flange mechanism
32, the bottom housing portion 474 is received through the aperture defined in front
end portion 240 of the upper right primary linkage arm 212, and the flanged section
476 rests upon and is supported by the front end portion 240. It will thus be appreciated
the right feeder roller 30 is held in place by the upper right primary linkage arm
212 of the upper linkage mechanism 32 and the lower right primary linkage arm 272
of the lower linkage mechanism 34, with the drive block 346 being substantially supported
by the upper right primary linkage arm 212.
[0073] The mounting plate 466 of the drive shaft 468 protrudes from the bottom housing portion
472. It is of a size to match the mounting plate 466 of the top shaft 348. When the
motor 478 is actuated, the drive shaft 468 is urged to rotate and, by reason of the
fixed connection between the mounting plates 466 and 462, is able to transmit torque
to the top shaft 348 (and ultimately, to the roller body 340).
[0074] While it is preferred that the motor 476 be hydraulically-powered, it will be appreciated
that this need not be the case in every application. In other embodiments, other motors
may be used to similar advantage, for instance, pneumatically-powered motors or gas-powered
motors.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, it can be seen that the left feeder roller 28 is generally
similar to the right feeder roller 30 in that it too includes a roller body 490, a
bottom bearing support 492, a bottom shaft (not visible) fixed to the roller body
490 for connecting the bottom bearing support 492 to the roller body 490, a drive
block 496 and a top shaft 498 for transmitting the torque generated by the drive block
496 to the roller body 490. The structure of the components 490, 492, 496 and 498
of the left feeder roller 28, their function and their arrangement relative to each
other, are generally similar to those of corresponding components 340, 342, 346 and
348 of the right feeder roller 30, such the description of the former will generally
suffice for the latter, except that in the case of the top shaft 498, its cylindrical
shaft portion 500 is shorter than the cylindrical shaft portion 462 of the top shaft
348. In like fashion to the right feeder roller 30, the left feeder roller 28 is held
in place by the upper left primary linkage arm 210 of the upper linkage mechanism
32 and the lower left primary linkage arm 270 of the lower linkage mechanism 34, with
the drive block 496 being substantially supported by the upper left primary linkage
arm 210.
[0076] With reference to FIGS. 3, 7A, 7B, 13A to 13C, the components of the chipping subassembly
26 are now described in greater detail. Each chipping head 36 and 38 is mounted for
rotation within the housing 22. The left chipping head 36 is positioned within the
well 193 and extends substantially between the top left panel 44 and the bottom left
panel 48. In the case of right chipping head 38, it is disposed within the well 195
and extends substantially between the top right panel 46 and the bottom right panel
50. As explained in greater detail below, the upper portion of each head 36, 38 protrudes
from the top of the housing 22 to be operatively connected to the drive assembly 40.
[0077] The left and right chipping heads 36 and 38 are similar to each other in all material
respects such that a description of one (i.e. the right chipping head 38) will suffice
for the other (i.e. the left chipping head 36). However, where appropriate, specific
reference may be made to one or more components of the left chipping head 36, it being
understood that such components resemble corresponding components of the right chipping
head 38 described below such that no further description is required. In such cases,
the components of the left chipping head 36 shall be identified with same reference
numerals as used for like components of the right chipping head 38, except that all
reference numerals designating components of the left chipping head 36 shall also
include the suffix "a".
[0078] FIGS. 13A to 13C show the right chipping head 38 and components thereof. The right
chipping head 38 includes a tubular support body 520, and upper and lower coupling
assemblies 522 and 524 housed substantially within the hollow 526 defined in the support
body 520. The support body 520 has an upper end 528, a lower end 530 and an intermediate
portion 532 extending between the upper and lower ends 528 and 530. In this embodiment,
the support body 520 is cylindrical; its circular cross-section defined by a circumferential
wall 534 having an outer surface 536 and an inner surface 538. As explained in greater
detail below, the outer surface 536 carries a plurality of protective collars 539
mounted concentrically to the support body 520 at spaced intervals along the intermediate
portion 532, and a plurality of cutting tooth assemblies 540 - each cutting tooth
assembly 540 being nestled between an adjacent pair of collars 539.
[0079] The thickness of the circumferential wall 534 is not constant throughout the length
of the support body 530. More specifically, the circumferential wall 534 is thinner
at the regions 542 and 544 of the support body 520 (which regions extend inwardly
from the upper and lower ends 528 and 530 a short distance) than at the mid-length
of the support body 210. In the regions 542 and 544 the hollow 526 has a greater cross-sectional
area to accommodate the upper and lower coupling assemblies 522 and 524. Defined by
the increased thickness of the circumferential wall 534 beyond the regions 542 and
544, are circumferentially extending shoulders 546 and 548 upon which portions of
the upper and lower coupling assemblies 522 and 524 will abut. As shown in FIG. 13A,
the upper coupling assembly 522 is adapted to fit within the hollow 526 in region
542, while the lower coupling assembly 524 is designed to fit in the hollow 526 in
region 544.
[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 13B and 13C, there is shown the upper coupling assembly 522
which includes a mounting plate 550 for fixing to the support body 520, a coupling
member 552, a flanged annular member 554, a first annular sealing gasket 556, a first
retaining ring 558, a bearing assembly 560, a second retaining ring 562, a mounting
ring 564, a bearing support member 566 and a second annular sealing gasket 568.
[0081] The mounting plate 550 has an annular body 570 with a central aperture 572, a first
face 574 and a second opposed face 576. The first face 574 is joined to the second
face 576 by a sidewall 578 formed by a narrow circumferential band 580 and a tapering
sidewall portion 582. When mounting the plate 550 to the support body 520, the peripheral
edge of the first face 574 is urged to abut the circumferential shoulder 546 of the
support body 520. The narrow band 580 is brought to bear against the inner surface
538 of the support body 520 and the mounting plate 550 is welded to the support body
520 about its tapering sidewall portion 582. Defined in the mounting plate 550 is
a plurality of bores 584 sized to accommodate fasteners in the nature of threaded
fasteners 586.
[0082] The coupling member 552 includes a disc-shaped portion 590 having a first face 592,
a second face 594 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced bores 596 defined therein
extending between the first and second faces 592 and 594. Standing proud of the first
face 592 is a puck-like projection 598 that is sized for clearance fit with the central
aperture 572 formed in the mounting plate 550. During fabrication, the first face
592 of the coupling member 552 is brought to bear against the second face 576 of the
mounting plate 550 with the puck-like projection 598 locating in the central aperture
572. Thereafter, the coupling member 552 is fastened to the mounting plate 550 by
inserting the fasteners 586 into the aligned the bores 584 and 596 and tightening
them. The coupling member 552 further includes a cylindrical portion 600 that extends
outwardly from the second face 594. The cylindrical portion 600 has a keying projection
602 for mating engagement with a portion of the drive assembly 40.
[0083] The flanged annular member 554 is defined at least partially by a sidewall 604. A
first circumferential lip or flange 606 extends outwardly from the edge of the sidewall
604. The first flange 606 has defined therein a plurality of circumferentially spaced
apertures 608. Radially bounding the central aperture 610 formed in the flanged member
554 is a second, inwardly projecting flange 612. The second flange 612 forms a seat
for the first sealing gasket 556. When the upper coupling assembly 522 is assembled,
the flanged annular member 554 surrounds the cylindrical portion 600 and the first
gasket 556 tends to form a seal between the flanged annular member 554 and the cylindrical
portion 600 to prevent dust or debris from fouling the lubricant that coats the bearings
(not shown) of the bearing assembly 560.
[0084] The second gasket 568 disposed at the opposite end of the bearing assembly 560 and
mounted between the bearing assembly 560 and an inwardly extending flange 644 of the
bearing support member 566, serves a similar sealing function. Again, while it is
generally preferred that gaskets 556 and 568 be employed, in alternative embodiments
these gaskets may be omitted.
[0085] The bearing assembly 560 includes a generally annular body 620 having a central aperture
622 defined therethrough. Within the hollow 624 of the bearing support member 566,
the annular body 620 is securely retained at one end by the second retaining ring
562 mounted in surrounding relation with the cylindrical portion 600 and at the opposite
end by the first retaining ring 558 which engages the inner surface of the sidewall
628 of the bearing support assembly 558. Housed within the annular body 620 is a plurality
of bearings (not shown) disposed circumferentially about the central aperture 622.
When the upper coupling assembly 522 is assembled, the bearing assembly 560 surrounds
the cylindrical portion 620 and allows free rotation of the coupling member 552 relative
to the bearing support member 566. The bearing assembly 560 uses roller bearings.
[0086] The bearing support member 566 has a generally tubular body 630 having a first end
632, a second end 634 and sidewall 628 extending between the first and second ends
632 and 634. Extending outwardly from the edge of the sidewall 628 at the first end
632 is a first circumferential lip or flange 636. The first flange 636 has defined
therein a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 638 which are alignable
with apertures 640 defined in the mounting ring 564 and apertures 642 formed in the
top right panel 46. At its first end 632, the tubular body 630 also has second, inwardly
projecting flange 644 that radially bounds the hollow 624 in the tubular body 630.
When the upper coupling assembly 522 is assembled, the second gasket 568 sits on the
cylindrical portion 600 and abuts the inner face of the second flange 644. A plurality
of longitudinal bores 646 drilled into the sidewall 628 at the second end 634 are
alignable with the apertures 608 defined in the first flange 606 of the flanged annular
member 554. During fabrication, threaded fasteners 648 are inserted through bores
646 and 608 and tightened to attach the bearing support member 558 to the flanged
annular member 554.
[0087] Turning now to the lower coupling assembly 524, it is similar in all material respects
to the upper coupling assembly 522 in that the former includes the same components
as the latter, arranged in the same manner, with the exception that the lower coupling
assembly 524 includes one additional component described below. In common with the
upper coupling assembly 522, the lower coupling assembly 524 includes a mounting plate
660 for fixing to the support body 520, a coupling member 662, a flanged annular member
664, a first annular sealing gasket (not visible), a first retaining ring (not visible),
a bearing assembly (not visible), a second retaining ring (not visible), a mounting
ring 666, a bearing support member 668 and a second annular sealing gasket (not visible).
However, the lower coupling assembly 524 further includes an annular end plate 670
for mounting to the lower end of bearing support member 558 to close off the hollow
therein. But for the annular end plate 670, the upper and lower coupling assemblies
522 and 524 could be said to be a mirror image one of the other disposed at opposite
regions 542 and 544 of the support body 520. Components 660, 662, 664, 666, 668, 670
are visible in FIG. 13A.
[0088] FIGS. 3, 9A, 9B and 10 show the arrangement of collars 539 and cutting tooth assemblies
540 along the support body 520. This arrangement will be known to those skilled in
the art as a substantially similar arrangement is described in
U.S. Patent No. 7,980,278 of Labbe et al. incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, for the purposes of this description,
it will suffice to describe this arrangement only very broadly.
[0089] Each collar 539 has a substantially penannular structure defined by a relatively
flat, circumferentially extending, sidewall 700 formed with a cutout 702 (see FIG.
9B). Each collar 539 is radially mounted to the support body 520 with its inner sidewall
edge welded to the outer surface 536 of the support body 520. The spacing between
adjacent collars 539 is sized to correspond generally to the width of the cutting
tooth assembly 540. Each collar 539 is radially offset from its adjacent collar 539
such that the cutouts 700 of adjacent collars are staggered relative to each other.
In this embodiment, a station 704 is defined between each cutout 700 formed in a given
collar 539 and that portion of each sidewall 700 of an adjacent collar 539 that is
disposed opposite such cutout 700. Each station 704 is sized to accommodate therein
a portion of a cutting tooth assembly 540.
[0090] The cutting tooth assembly 540 includes a cutting tooth 710 and a mounting assembly
712 for securely fixing the cutting tooth 540 within a respective station 704. The
cutting tooth 710 has a base portion 714 and a cutting portion 716 which extends from
the base portion 714 in a generally canted fashion. The cutting tooth portion 716
has a tapering, wedge-like, profile that terminates in a cutting edge 718. When the
cutting tooth 710 is mounted within the station 704, the cutting edge 718 extends
beyond the outermost edges of sidewalls 700 of adjacent collars 539. During actuation
of the right chipping head 38, the cutting edge 718 tends to be the first element
of the cutting tooth 540 to make contact with the feedstock.
[0091] The mounting assembly 706 includes a mounting block 730 disposed forwardly of the
cutting tooth 540, a mounting plate 732 disposed rearwardly of the cutting tooth 590,
a fastener in the nature of a nut 734 and bolt 736 (visible in FIG. 3) for securing
the cutting tooth 590 to the mounting block 730 and the mounting plate 732, an abutment
plate 738 supported on the outer edges of adjacent collars 539 and bearing against
a portion of the cutting tooth 710, and a C-shaped retaining member 740.
[0092] Having described the various components of the chipping heads 36 and 38, the arrangement
of these chipping heads within the frame 42 is now explained in greater detail with
reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. During fabrication of the brush chipper assembly 20,
before the left and right side of the frame 42 are fastened to each other, the right
chipping head 38 is positioned between the top and bottom right panels 46 and 50 within
the well 193, with its longitudinal axis generally aligned with the rebates 82 and
86 defined in the panels 46 and 50. At the upper end of the right chipping head 38,
the mounting ring 564 abuts the top right panel 46 and is sandwiched between the latter
and the bearing support member 566 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Similarly, at the lower end
of the right chipping head 38, the mounting ring 666 abuts the bottom right panel
50 and is sandwiched between the latter and the bearing support member 668. Thereafter,
the upper and lower ends of the right chipping head 38 are fastened to the frame 42.
More specifically, at the upper end of the right chipping head 38, fasteners (not
visible) are inserted through the aligned apertures 638, 640 and 642 of the bearing
support member 566, the mounting ring 564 and the top right panel 46, and secured.
In like fashion, at the lower end of the right chipping head 38, fasteners (not visible)
are inserted through the aligned apertures of the bearing support member 668, the
mounting ring 666 and the bottom panel 50, and secured.
[0093] The left chipping head 36 is similarly arranged within the frame 42 between the top
and bottom left panels 44 and 48 within the well 195, with its longitudinal axis generally
aligned with the rebates 80 and 84 defined in the panels 44 and 48, except that, as
best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the left chipping head 36 is oriented so as to be the
mirror image of the right chipping head 38. Arranging the left chipping head 36 in
this manner ensures that cutting teeth 540a carried on the support body 520a are properly
oriented so that their respective cutting edges 718a contact the feedstock first when
the left chipping head 36 is rotated in the clockwise direction.
[0094] At the upper end of the left chipping head 36, the mounting ring 564a abuts the top
left panel 44 and is sandwiched between the latter and the bearing support member
566a (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Similarly, at the lower end of the left chipping end 36,
the mounting ring 666a abuts the bottom left panel 48 and is sandwiched between the
latter and the bearing support member 668a. Thereafter, the upper and lower ends of
the left chipping head 36 are fastened to the frame 42 in like fashion to the manner
of the upper and lower ends of the right chipping head 38.
[0095] In this embodiment, the spacing S between the chipping heads 36 and 38 as measured
between the outermost margin or envelope of each chipping head is 1/8 in. a space
sufficient to prevent physical interference between the chipping heads. The spacing
S, shown in FIG. 9, is exaggerated somewhat for the purposes of illustration.
[0096] With reference to FIGS. 3, 7A and 7B, the drive assembly 40 which drives rotation
of the left and right chipping heads 36 and 38, is now described in greater detail.
In this embodiment, the drive assembly 40 takes the form of a belt drive 760 operatively
connected to a hydraulic motor 762. The belt drive 760 includes a notched belt 764,
a driving pulley 766 connected to the hydraulic motor 762, a right driven pulley 768
attached to the right chipper head 38 and a left driven pulley 770 attached to the
left chipper head 36. The inner surface of the notched belt 764 is provided with notches
for tracked engagement with teeth (not shown) carried on the pulleys 766, 768 and
770.
[0097] The driving pulley 766 has a hub portion 774 and a flanged rim portion 776 surrounding
the hub portion 774. The rim portion 776 is fixed for rotation with the hub portion
774. The hub portion 774 has a central aperture 778 which is sized to receive the
drive shaft 780 of the hydraulic motor 762. The rim portion 776 has teeth (not shown)
which engage the notches in the notched belt 764.
[0098] The right and left driven pulleys 768 and 770 are sized relatively smaller than the
driven pulley 766. The right driven pulley 768 is similarly formed with a hub portion
782 and a flanged rim portion 784 surrounding the hub portion 782. The rim portion
784 is fixed for rotation with the hub portion 782. The hub portion 782 has a central
aperture 786 which opens onto an elongate groove 788. The central aperture 776 receives
the cylindrical portion 600 of the coupling member 552 with the keying projection
602 fitting into the groove 788 to fix the coupling member 552 for rotation with the
hub portion 782.
[0099] The left driven pulley 770 is disposed between the driving pulley 766 and the right
driven pulley 768. The left driven pulley 770 resembles the right driven pulley 768
in that it too has a hub portion 790 and a flanged rim portion 792 surrounding the
hub portion 790. The rim portion 792 is fixed for rotation with the hub portion 790.
The hub portion 790 has a central aperture 794 which opens onto an elongate groove
796. The central aperture 794 receives the cylindrical portion 600a of the coupling
member 552a with the keying projection 602a fitting into the groove 796 to fix the
coupling member 552a for rotation with the hub portion 790.
[0100] The notched belt 764 is operatively connected to the driving pulley 766, the left
driven pulley 770 and the right driven pulley 768. The notched belt 764 is laid out
between the driving pulley 766 and the left driven pulley 770 in a cross-belt arrangement
such that the left driven pulley 770 is urged to rotate in a direction opposite to
that of the driving pulley 766. In contrast, the notched belt 764 is laid out between
the driving pulley 766 and the right driven pulley 768 in an open-belt arrangement
such that the right driven pulley 768 is urged to rotate in the same direction as
the driving pulley 766. It will thus be appreciated that by reason of this configuration,
when the hydraulic motor 762 is actuated the right chipping head 38 is urged to rotate
in a counter-clockwise direction and the left chipping head 36 is rotated in the clockwise
direction.
[0101] The hydraulic motor 762 is mounted to the underside of the top left panel 44, with
its drive shaft 780 projecting through the circular aperture 132 defined in the panel
44 for connection to the driving pulley 766.
[0102] While in the present embodiment, the left and right chipping heads 36 and 38 are
driven by a single motor and a drive belt arrangement, in an alternative embodiment,
the chipping subassembly could be provided with two motors - one motor for directly
driving each chipping head.
[0103] The brush chipper assembly 20 further includes a controller (not shown) which is
operable to govern the operation of the drive assembly 40 and the drive blocks 346
and 496. More specifically, the controller can regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid
to motors 462, 476 and 476a to adjust the speed at which the chipping heads 36 and
38 and the feeder rollers 28 and 30 rotate.
[0104] A description of an exemplary mode of operation of the brush chipper assembly 20
now follows. As a first step, the hydraulic motor 762 of the drive assembly 40 is
actuated causing the torque from its drive shaft 780 to be transmitted to the notched
belt 764. As the notched belt 764 travels along the drive path defined by the driving
pulley 770 and the right and left driven pulleys 768 and 770, it urges the right chipping
head 38 to rotate in a clockwise direction and the left chipping head 36 to rotate
in a counter-clockwise direction. The left and right chipping heads 36 and 38 are
both rotated at the same, or substantially the same, speeds. Preferably, the rotational
speed of the chipping heads 36 and 38 ranges between 2000 and 3500 RPMs (revolutions
per minute).
[0105] Next, the hydraulic motor 476 of the right feeder roller 30 and the hydraulic motor
476a of the left feeder rollers 28 are actuated causing the right feeder roller 30
to rotate in a clockwise direction and the left feeder roller 28 to rotate in a clockwise
direction. The left and right feeder rollers 28 and 30 are both rotated at the same,
or substantially the same speeds, by regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid to the
hydraulic motors 476 and 476a. The controller adjusts the rotational speed of the
feeder rollers 28 and 30 to ensure that the speed at which the feedstock is fed into
the brush chipper assembly 20 is matched with the chipping capacity of the chipping
heads 36 and 38 for optimized chipping efficiency.
[0106] With the feeder and chipping subassemblies 24 and 26 actuated, the brush chipper
assembly 20 is ready to receive a branch or other feedstock (designated with reference
numeral 810 in FIG. 10) to be reduced to chips 812. The operator of the brush chipper
assembly 20 introduces or feeds the branch 810 into the feeder subassembly 24. Preferably,
the branch 810 is of a size no greater than the diameter of the roller bodies of the
left and right chipping heads 36 and 38.
[0107] As the branch 810 approaches the gap G, its outer surface 814 is engaged (i.e. pierced
or penetrated) by the spikes 368 on the right roller body 340 and the spikes 816 on
the left roller body 490. The spikes 368 and 816 tightly grip the branch 810 and the
counter-rotation of the feeder rollers 28 and 30 draws the branch 810 rearward toward
the chipping subassembly 26.
[0108] Because the left and right feeder rollers 28 and 30 are biased in their respective
first positions 334 and 335 and the diameter or width of the branch 810 is sized larger
than the gap G, the branch 810 cannot pass through the gap G unless the biasing force
of the upper and lower linkage mechanisms 32 and 34 is overcome. The counter-rotation
of the feeder rollers 28 and 30 generates a propulsive force which is greater than
the biasing force of the linkage mechanisms 32 and 34 causing the piston arm 264 of
hydraulic piston 218 to move from its extended position 268 to its retracted position
266, and the piston arm 332 of hydraulic piston 278 to move from its extended position
333 to its retracted position. As the leading end of the branch 810 advances between
the feeder rollers 28 and 30 it acts as a wedge between them, widening the gap G.
[0109] The propulsive force of the feeder rollers 28 and 30 conveys the branch 810 to the
chipping subassembly 26 where the branch 810 is acted upon by the plurality of cutting
teeth 540a and 540 of the left and right chipping heads 36 and 38. As the left chipping
head 36 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, the cutting edges 718a of the cutting
teeth 540a are brought to bear against the leading end of the branch 810. Similarly,
the clockwise rotation of the right chipping head 38 causes the cutting edges 718
of the cutting teeth 540 to come into contact with the leading end of the branch 810.
[0110] Contrary to conventional chippers where cutting edges chip the branch working from
the outside toward the inside, the cutting edges 718a and 718 operate like mini-log
splitters to split the inner portion of the branch 810 to produce chips 812. In essence,
the cutting edges 718a and 718 chip the branch 810 working from the inside toward
the outside. When the cutting edges 718a and 718 impact the branch 810, the cutting
teeth 540a and 540 with their wedge-like profiles split the inner portion of the branch
810 as the branch 810 is urged deeper into the chipping subassembly 26 by the propulsive
force of the feeder rollers 28 and 30. The horizontal component of the force generated
by the impact of the cutting edges 718a and 718 on the branch 810, acts in a direction
opposite to the direction of the propulsive force of the feeder rollers 28 and 30
(i.e. the direction of travel of the branch 810). As a result, this manner of chipping
tends to be very effective. The branch 810 is broken down into large fragments which
are then further reduced into smaller-sized chips.
[0111] With two counter-rotating chipping rollers 36 and 38, the brush chipper assembly
20 is able to expose the branch 810 to twice the effective cutting action of that
of a single chipping roller of the same diameter. To achieve the same cutting action
with a single chipping roller it would be necessary to use a chipping roller having
a much larger diameter. Such a chipping roller would tend to be much heavier and therefore
require a more powerful motor to drive it and more robust frame and bearing arrangement
to accommodate its rotation. Moreover, it is likely that because of its weight and
safety considerations related thereto, such a heavier chipping roller would not be
driven as fast as two smaller and lighter chipping rollers, thus resulting in comparatively
less frequent contact between the cutting teeth and the branch, and comparatively
lower chipping efficiency.
[0112] The chips 812 thus produced are evacuated from the interior of the housing 22 by
the rotational movement of the chipping heads 36 and 38. The chips 812 may follow
one of several paths out the rear of the housing 22. One path has the chips 812 circulating
in the well 193 between the curved portion 168 of the left sidewall member 52 and
the left chipping head 36. Another path has the chips 812 travelling in the well 195
between the curved portion 194 of the right sidewall member 54 and the right chipping
head 38.
[0113] In the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the feeder rollers
28 and 30 and the chipping heads 36 and 38, are all vertically oriented. This need
not be the case in every application. In other embodiments, the chipper assembly could
be configured with its feeder rollers and chipping heads all oriented horizontally.
[0114] Although the foregoing description and accompanying drawings relate to specific preferred
embodiments of the present invention as presently contemplated by the inventor, it
will be understood that various changes, modifications and adaptations, may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention.
1. A brush chipper assembly (20) comprising:
a housing (22);
a feeder subassembly (24) connected to the housing; the feeder subassembly including
opposed, spaced apart, left and right feeder rollers (28, 30); when the feeder subassembly
is actuated, the left feeder roller (28) is operable to rotate in a counter-clockwise
direction and the right feeder roller (30) is operable to rotate in a clockwise direction
so as to draw the brush to be chipped into the housing;
a chipping subassembly (26) substantially contained within the housing behind the
feeder subassembly; the chipping subassembly including left and right, opposed, spaced
apart, chipping heads (36, 38) and a drive assembly (40) for driving rotation of the
left and right chipping heads; each chipping head carrying a plurality of cutting
teeth (540) for chipping the brush fed into the brush chipper assembly; when the chipping
subassembly is actuated, the left chipping head (36) is operable to rotate in a clockwise
direction and the right chipping head (38) is operable to rotate in a counter-clockwise
direction;
further comprising upper and lower linkage mechanisms (32, 34) connected to the left
and right feeder rollers (28, 30) and the housing (22); each feeder roller (28, 30)
being mounted between, and supported by, portions of the upper linkage mechanism (32)
and the lower linkage mechanism (34);
wherein:
the upper and lower linkage mechanisms (32, 34) are operable to move the left and
right feeder rollers (28, 30) between respective first positions (334, 335) and respective
second positions (336, 337) to adjust the spacing (G) between the feeder rollers (28,
30);
in the respective first positions (334, 335), the space between the left and right
feeder rollers (28, 30) is at its smallest;
in the respective second positions (336, 337), the space between the left and right
feeder rollers (28, 30) is at its largest;
the feeder subassembly (24) is carried in front of the housing (22); the left and
right feeder rollers (28, 30) are biased in their respective first positions (334,
335); and
the upper and lower linkage mechanisms (32, 34), when actuated, cooperate with each
other to allow the left and right feeder rollers (28, 30) to pivot from their respective
first positions (334, 335) to their respective second positions (336, 337).
2. The brush chipper assembly of claim 1 wherein, when brush is fed into the brush chipper
assembly (20):
the rotation of the feeder rollers (28, 30) generates a propulsive force directed
toward the chipping heads (36, 38); and
the rotation of the chipping heads causes the cutting teeth (540) to come into contact
with the brush thereby generating an impact force acting in a direction opposite to
the direction of the propulsive force.
3. The brush chipper assembly of claim 1 or 2 wherein:
the left and right feeder rollers are vertically oriented; and
the left and right chipping heads are vertically oriented.
4. The brush chipper assembly of claim 1 or 2 wherein:
the left and right feeder rollers are horizontally oriented; and
the left and right chipping heads are horizontally oriented.
5. The brush chipper assembly of any of the preceding claims wherein each feeder roller
(28, 30) includes a roller body (340, 490) and a drive block (346, 496) operatively
connected to the roller body for driving rotation of the roller body.
6. The brush chipper assembly of claim 5 wherein the roller body (340, 490) of each feeder
roller (28, 30) carries on its outer surface a plurality of spikes (368, 816) for
gripping the brush to be chipped.
7. The brush chipper assembly of any of the preceding claims wherein the drive assembly
(40) is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a direct drive assembly; and (b)
a belt drive assembly.
8. The brush chipper assembly of any of the preceding claims further comprising a controller
operable to adjust the speed at which the feeder rollers (28, 30) and the chipping
heads (36, 38) rotate.
9. A method for chipping brush comprising:
providing a chipper assembly (20) having:
a housing (22);
a feeder subassembly (24) connected to the housing; the feeder subassembly including
opposed, spaced apart, left and right feeder rollers (28, 30);
a chipping subassembly (26) substantially contained within the housing behind the
feeder subassembly; the chipping subassembly including left and right, opposed, spaced
apart, chipping heads (36, 38) and a drive assembly (40) for driving rotation of the
left and right chipping heads; each chipping head carrying a plurality of cutting
teeth (540) for chipping the brush fed into the brush chipper assembly;
further comprising upper and lower linkage mechanisms (32, 34) connected to the left
and right feeder rollers (28, 30) and the housing (22); each feeder roller (28, 30)
being mounted between, and supported by, portions of the upper linkage mechanism (32)
and the lower linkage mechanism (34);
wherein:
the upper and lower linkage mechanisms (32, 34) are operable to move the left and
right feeder rollers (28, 30) between respective first positions (334, 335) and respective
second positions (336, 337) to adjust the spacing (G) between the feeder rollers (28,
30);
in the respective first positions (334, 335), the space between the left and right
feeder rollers (28, 30) is at its smallest;
in the respective second positions (336, 337), the space between the left and right
feeder rollers (28, 30) is at its largest;
actuating the feeder subassembly to cause the left feeder roller (28) to rotate in
a counter-clockwise direction and the right feeder roller (30) to rotate in a clockwise
direction;
actuating the chipping subassembly to cause the left chipping head (36) to rotate
in a clockwise direction and the right chipping head (38) to rotate in a counter-clockwise
direction;
introducing the brush between the rotating left and right feeder rollers;
drawing the brush towards the chipping heads;
causing the cutting teeth of the chipping heads to come into contact with the brush
and reduce it to chips; and
evacuating the chips from the interior of the housing; wherein
the feeder subassembly (24) is carried in front of the housing (22);
the left and right feeder rollers (28, 30) are biased in their respective first positions
(334, 335); and
the upper and lower linkage mechanisms (32, 34), when actuated, cooperate with each
other to allow the left and right feeder rollers (28, 30) to pivot from their respective
first positions (334, 335) to their respective second positions (336, 337).
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of adjusting the rotational speed
of the feeder rollers (28, 30) and the chipping heads (36, 38).
11. The method of claim 9 or 10 wherein:
each feeder roller (28, 30) includes a roller body (340, 490), each roller body carrying
on its outer surface a plurality of spikes (368, 816) for gripping the brush to be
chipped;
the step of drawing of the brush towards the chipping heads (36, 38) includes:
causing the spikes on the roller body of each feeder roller to engage the brush; and
generating a propulsive force towards the chipping heads (36, 38) that acts on the
brush.
12. The method of any one of claims 9 - 11 wherein the step of causing the cutting teeth
(540) of the chipping heads (36, 38) to come into contact with the brush and reduce
it to chips, includes the step of:
generating an impact force acting on the brush in a direction opposite to the direction
of the propulsive force; and
chipping the brush by splitting the inner portion of the brush.
1. Strauchhäcksleranordnung (20), Folgendes umfassend:
ein Gehäuse (22);
eine Zuführunteranordnung (24), die mit dem Gehäuse verbunden ist; wobei die Zuführunteranordnung
eine linke und rechte Zuführrolle (28, 30), die einander entgegengesetzt und voneinander
beabstandet sind, umfasst; wobei, wenn die Zuführunteranordnung betätigt wird, sich
die linke Zuführrolle (28) entgegen dem Uhrzeigersinn drehen kann und sich die rechte
Zuführrolle (30) im Uhrzeigersinn drehen kann, um den zu häckselnden Strauch in das
Gehäuse zu ziehen;
eine Häckslerunteranordnung (26), die im Wesentlichen innerhalb des Gehäuses hinter
der Zuführunteranordnung enthalten ist; wobei die Häckslerunteranordnung einen linken
und rechten Häckslerkopf (36, 38), die einander entgegengesetzt und voneinander beabstandet
sind, und eine Antriebsanordnung (40) für den Drehantrieb des linken und rechten Häckslerkopfs
umfasst; wobei jeder Häckslerkopf mehrere Schneidzähne (540) zum Häckseln des in die
Strauchhäcksleranordnung geführten Strauchs trägt; wobei, wenn die Häckslerunteranordnung
betätigt wird, sich der linke Häckslerkopf (36) im Uhrzeigersinn drehen kann und sich
der rechte Häckslerkopf (38) entgegen dem Uhrzeigersinn drehen kann;
ferner einen oberen und unteren Kopplungsmechanismus (32, 34) umfassend, die mit der
linken und rechten Zuführrolle (28, 30) und dem Gehäuse (22) verbunden sind; wobei
die Zuführrollen (28, 30) zwischen Teilen des oberen Kopplungsmechanismus (32) und
des unteren Kopplungsmechanismus (34) montiert sind und davon getragen werden;
wobei:
der obere und untere Kopplungsmechanismus (32, 34) die linke und rechte Zuführrolle
(28, 30) zwischen jeweiligen ersten Positionen (334, 335) und jeweiligen zweiten Positionen
(336, 337) bewegen können, um den Abstand (G) zwischen den Zuführrollen (28, 30) einzustellen;
in den jeweiligen ersten Positionen (334, 335) der Abstand zwischen der linken und
rechten Zuführrolle (28, 30) am kleinsten ist;
in den jeweiligen zweiten Positionen (336, 337) der Abstand zwischen der linken und
rechten Zuführrolle (28, 30) am größten ist;
die Zuführunteranordnung (24) vor dem Gehäuse (22) getragen wird;
die linke und rechte Zuführrolle (28, 30) in ihrer jeweiligen ersten Position (334,
335) vorgespannt sind; und
der obere und untere Kopplungsmechanismus (32, 34), wenn sie betätigt werden, miteinander
zusammenwirken, um zuzulassen, dass die linke und rechte Zuführrolle (28, 30) aus
ihrer jeweiligen ersten Position (334, 335) in ihre jeweilige zweite Position (336,
337) verschwenken.
2. Strauchhäcksleranordnung nach Anspruch 1, wobei, wenn der Strauch der Häcksleranordnung
(20) zugeführt wird:
die Drehung der Zuführrollen (28, 30) eine Schubkraft erzeugt, die in Richtung der
Häckslerköpfe (36, 38) ausgerichtet ist; und
die Drehung der Häckslerköpfe bewirkt, dass die Schneidzähne (540) mit dem Strauch
in Kontakt kommen und dadurch eine Aufprallkraft erzeugen, die in eine Richtung wirkt,
die der Richtung der Schubkraft entgegengesetzt ist.
3. Strauchhäcksleranordnung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei:
die linke und rechte Zuführrolle vertikal ausgerichtet sind; und
der linke und rechte Häckslerkopf vertikal ausgerichtet sind.
4. Strauchhäcksleranordnung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei:
die linke und rechte Zuführrolle horizontal ausgerichtet sind; und
der linke und rechte Häckslerkopf horizontal ausgerichtet sind.
5. Strauchhäcksleranordnung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei jede Zuführrolle
(28, 30) einen Rollenkörper (340, 490) und einen Antriebsblock (346, 496), der mit
dem Rollenkörper wirkverbunden ist, um die Drehung des Rollenkörpers anzutreiben,
umfasst.
6. Strauchhäcksleranordnung nach Anspruch 5, wobei der Rollenkörper (340, 490) jeder
Zuführrolle (28, 30) auf seiner Außenfläche mehrere Spitzen (368, 816) zum Greifen
des zu häckselnden Strauchs trägt.
7. Strauchhäcksleranordnung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Antriebsanordnung
(40) aus der Gruppe bestehend aus (a) einer Direktantriebsanordnung; und (b) einer
Riemenantriebsanordnung ausgewählt ist.
8. Strauchhäcksleranordnung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, ferner eine Steuerung
umfassend, die die Geschwindigkeit, mit der sich die Zuführrollen (28, 30) und die
Häckslerköpfe (36, 38) drehen, einstellen kann.
9. Verfahren zum Strauchhäckseln, Folgendes umfassend:
Vorsehen einer Häcksleranordnung (20), die Folgendes aufweist:
ein Gehäuse (22);
eine Zuführunteranordnung (24), die mit dem Gehäuse verbunden ist; wobei die Zuführunteranordnung
eine linke und rechte Zuführrolle (28, 30), die einander entgegengesetzt und voneinander
beabstandet sind, umfasst; eine Häckslerunteranordnung (26), die im Wesentlichen innerhalb
des Gehäuses hinter der Zuführunteranordnung enthalten ist; wobei die Häckslerunteranordnung
einen linken und rechten Häckslerkopf (36, 38), die einander entgegengesetzt und voneinander
beabstandet sind, und eine Antriebsanordnung (40) für den Drehantrieb des linken und
rechten Häckslerkopfs umfasst; wobei jeder Häckslerkopf mehrere Schneidzähne (540)
zum Häckseln des in die Strauchhäcksleranordnung geführten Strauchs trägt;
ferner einen oberen und unteren Kopplungsmechanismus (32, 34) umfassend, die mit der
linken und rechten Zuführrolle (28, 30) und dem Gehäuse (22) verbunden sind; wobei
jede Zuführrolle (28, 30) zwischen Teilen des oberen Kopplungsmechanismus (32) und
des unteren Kopplungsmechanismus (34) montiert sind und davon getragen werden;
wobei:
der obere und untere Kopplungsmechanismus (32, 34) die linke und rechte Zuführrolle
(28, 30) zwischen jeweiligen ersten Positionen (334, 335) und jeweiligen zweiten Positionen
(336, 337) bewegen können, um den Abstand (G) zwischen den Zuführrollen (28, 30) einzustellen;
in den jeweiligen ersten Positionen (334, 335), der Abstand zwischen der linken und
rechten Zuführrolle (28, 30) am kleinsten ist;
in den jeweiligen zweiten Positionen (336, 337), der Abstand zwischen der linken und
rechten Zuführrolle (28, 30) am größten ist;
Betätigen der Zuführanordnung, um zu bewirken, dass sich die linke Zuführrolle (28)
entgegen dem Uhrzeigersinn dreht und sich die rechte Zuführrolle (30) im Uhrzeigersinn
dreht;
Betätigen der Häckslerunteranordnung, um zu bewirken, dass sich der linke Häckslerkopf
(36) im Uhrzeigersinn dreht und sich der rechte Häckslerkopf (38) entgegen dem Uhrzeigersinn
dreht;
Einführen des Strauchs zwischen der sich drehenden linken und rechten Zuführrolle;
Ziehen des Strauchs in Richtung der Häckslerköpfe;
Bewirken, dass die Schneidzähne der Häckslerköpfe mit dem Strauch in Kontakt kommen
und ihn in kleine Stücke häckseln; und
Entleeren der Stücke aus dem Inneren des Gehäuses;
wobei
die Zuführunteranordnung (24) vor dem Gehäuse (22) getragen wird;
die linke und rechte Zuführrolle (28, 30) in ihrer jeweiligen ersten Position (334,
335) vorgespannt sind; und
der obere und untere Kopplungsmechanismus (32, 34), wenn sie betätigt werden, miteinander
zusammenwirken, um zuzulassen, dass die linke und rechte Zuführrolle (28, 30) aus
ihrer jeweiligen ersten Position (334, 335) in ihre jeweilige zweite Position (336,
337) verschwenken.
10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, ferner den Schritt des Einstellens der Drehgeschwindigkeit
der Zuführrollen (28, 30) und der Häckslerköpfe (36, 38) umfassend.
11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei:
jede Zuführrolle (28, 30) einen Rollenkörper (340, 490) umfasst, wobei jeder Rollenkörper
auf seiner Außenfläche mehrere Spitzen (368, 816) zum Greifen des zu häckselnden Strauchs
trägt;
der Schritt des Ziehens des Strauchs in Richtung der Häckslerköpfe (36, 38) Folgendes
umfasst:
Bewirken, dass die Spitzen auf dem Rollenkörper jeder Zuführrolle in den Strauch eingreifen;
und
Erzeugen einer Schubkraft in Richtung der Häckslerköpfe (36, 38), die auf den Strauch
wirkt.
12. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 9-11, wobei der Schritt des Bewirkens, dass die
Schneidzähne (540) der Häckslerköpfe (36, 38) mit dem Strauch in Kontakt kommen und
ihn in kleine Stücke häckseln, den folgenden Schritt umfasst:
Erzeugen einer Aufprallkraft, die in einer Richtung, die der Richtung der Schubkraft
entgegengesetzt ist, auf den Strauch wirkt; und
Häckseln des Strauchs durch Spalten des inneren Teils des Strauchs.
1. Ensemble de déchiqueteuse de rémanents (20) comprenant :
un boîtier (22) ;
un sous-ensemble d'alimentation (24) relié au boîtier ; le sous-ensemble d'alimentation
comprenant des rouleaux d'alimentation gauche et droit (28, 30) opposés et espacés
l'un de l'autre ; lorsque le sous-ensemble d'alimentation est actionné, le rouleau
d'alimentation gauche (28) pouvant tourner dans le sens antihoraire et le rouleau
d'alimentation droit (30) pouvant tourner dans le sens horaire afin d'entraîner le
rémanent à déchiqueter dans le boîtier ;
un sous-ensemble de déchiquetage (26) sensiblement contenu à l'intérieur du boîtier
derrière le sous-ensemble d'alimentation ; le sous-ensemble de déchiquetage comprenant
des têtes de déchiquetage gauche et droite (36, 38) opposées et espacées l'une de
l'autre, et un ensemble d'entraînement (40) pour entraîner la rotation des têtes de
déchiquetage gauche et droite ; chaque tête de déchiquetage portant une pluralité
de dents coupantes (540) pour déchiqueter le rémanent introduit dans l'ensemble de
déchiqueteuse de rémanents ; lorsque le sous-ensemble de déchiqueteuse de rémanents
est actionné, la tête de déchiquetage gauche (36) pouvant tourner dans le sens horaire
et la tête de déchiquetage droite (38) pouvant tourner dans le sens antihoraire ;
comprenant en outre des mécanismes de tringlerie supérieur et inférieur (32, 34) reliés
aux rouleaux d'alimentation gauche et droit (28, 30) et au boîtier (22) ; chaque rouleau
d'alimentation (28, 30) étant monté entre des parties du mécanisme de tringlerie supérieur
(32) et du mécanisme de tringlerie inférieur (34) et supporté par ceux-ci ;
les mécanismes de tringlerie supérieur et inférieur (32, 34) permettant de déplacer
les rouleaux d'alimentation gauche et droit (28, 30) entre des premières positions
(334, 335) respectives et des secondes positions (336, 337) respectives pour ajuster
l'espacement (G) entre les rouleaux d'alimentation (28, 30) ;
dans les premières positions respectives (334, 335), l'espace entre les rouleaux d'alimentation
gauche et droit (28, 30) étant à son minimum ;
dans les secondes positions (336, 337) respectives, l'espace entre les rouleaux d'alimentation
gauche et droit (28, 30) étant à son maximum ;
le sous-ensemble d'alimentation (24) étant porté devant le boîtier (22) ; les rouleaux
d'alimentation gauche et droit (28, 30) étant sollicités dans leurs premières positions
(334, 335) respectives ; et
les mécanismes de tringlerie supérieur et inférieur (32, 34), lorsqu'ils sont actionnés,
coopérant l'un avec l'autre pour permettre aux rouleaux d'alimentation gauche et droit
(28, 30) de pivoter de leur première position (334, 335) respective à leur seconde
position (336, 337) respective.
2. Ensemble de déchiqueteuse de rémanents selon la revendication 1, lorsque le rémanent
est introduit dans l'ensemble de déchiqueteuse de rémanents (20) :
la rotation des rouleaux d'alimentation (28, 30) générant une force propulsive dirigée
vers les têtes de déchiquetage (36, 38) ; et
la rotation des têtes de déchiquetage amenant les dents coupantes (540) à venir en
contact avec le rémanent, générant ainsi une force d'impact agissant dans une direction
opposée à la direction de la force propulsive.
3. Ensemble de déchiqueteuse de rémanents selon la revendication 1 ou 2,
les rouleaux d'alimentation gauche et droit étant orientés verticalement ; et
les têtes de déchiquetage gauche et droite étant orientées verticalement.
4. Ensemble de déchiqueteuse de rémanents selon la revendication 1 ou 2,
les rouleaux d'alimentation gauche et droit étant orientés horizontalement ; et
les têtes de déchiquetage gauche et droite étant orientées horizontalement.
5. Ensemble de déchiqueteuse de rémanents selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
chaque rouleau d'alimentation (28, 30) comprenant un corps de rouleau (340, 490) et
un bloc d'entraînement (346, 496) relié fonctionnellement au corps de rouleau pour
entraîner la rotation du corps de rouleau.
6. Ensemble de déchiqueteuse de rémanents selon la revendication 5, le corps de rouleau
(340, 490) de chaque rouleau d'alimentation (28, 30) portant sur sa surface extérieure
une pluralité de pointes (368, 816) pour saisir le rémanent à déchiqueter.
7. Ensemble de déchiqueteuse de rémanents selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
l'ensemble d'entraînement (40) étant choisi dans le groupe constitué par : a) un ensemble
d'entraînement direct ; et b) un ensemble d'entraînement par courroie.
8. Ensemble de déchiqueteuse de rémanents selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes
comprenant en outre un dispositif de commande permettant de régler la vitesse à laquelle
les rouleaux d'alimentation (28, 30) et les têtes de déchiquetage (36, 38) tournent.
9. Procédé pour déchiqueter un rémanent comprenant les étapes consistant à :
fournir un ensemble de déchiqueteuse (20) ayant :
un boîtier (22) ;
un sous-ensemble d'alimentation (24) relié au boîtier ; le sous-ensemble d'alimentation
comprenant des rouleaux d'alimentation gauche et droit (28, 30) opposés, espacés l'un
de l'autre ;
un sous-ensemble de déchiquetage (26) sensiblement contenu à l'intérieur du boîtier
derrière le sous-ensemble d'alimentation ; le sous-ensemble de déchiquetage comprenant
des têtes de déchiquetage (36, 38) gauche et droite, opposées, espacées l'une de l'autre,
et un ensemble d'entraînement (40) pour entraîner la rotation des têtes de déchiquetage
gauche et droite ; chaque tête de déchiquetage portant une pluralité de dents coupantes
(540) pour déchiqueter le rémanent introduit dans l'ensemble de déchiqueteuse de rémanents
;
comprenant en outre des mécanismes de tringlerie supérieur et inférieur (32, 34) reliés
aux rouleaux d'alimentation gauche et droit (28, 30) et au boîtier (22) ; chaque rouleau
d'alimentation (28, 30) étant monté entre des parties du mécanisme de tringlerie supérieur
(32) et du mécanisme de tringlerie inférieur (34) et supporté par ceux-ci ;
les mécanismes de tringlerie supérieur et inférieur (32, 34) permettant de déplacer
les rouleaux d'alimentation gauche et droit (28, 30) entre des premières positions
(334, 335) respectives et des secondes positions (336, 337) respectives pour ajuster
l'espacement (G) entre les rouleaux d'alimentation (28, 30) ;
dans les premières positions respectives (334, 335), l'espace entre les rouleaux d'alimentation
gauche et droit (28, 30) étant à son minimum ;
dans les secondes positions (336, 337) respectives, l'espace entre les rouleaux d'alimentation
gauche et droit (28, 30) étant à son maximum ;
actionner le sous-ensemble d'alimentation pour amener le rouleau d'alimentation gauche
(28) à tourner dans le sens antihoraire et le rouleau d'alimentation droit (30) à
tourner dans le sens horaire ;
actionner le sous-ensemble de déchiquetage pour amener la tête de déchiquetage gauche
(36) à tourner dans le sens horaire et la tête de déchiquetage droite (38) dans le
sens antihoraire ;
introduire le rémanent entre les rouleaux d'alimentation rotatifs gauche et droit
;
tirer le rémanent vers les têtes de déchiquetage ;
amener les dents coupantes des têtes de déchiquetage à entrer en contact avec le rémanent
et à le réduire en copeaux ; et
évacuer les copeaux de l'intérieur du boîtier ;
le sous-ensemble d'alimentation (24) étant porté devant le boîtier (22) ;
les rouleaux d'alimentation gauche et droit (28, 30) étant sollicités dans leurs premières
positions (334, 335) respectives ; et
les mécanismes de tringlerie supérieur et inférieur (32, 34), lorsqu'ils sont actionnés,
coopérant l'un avec l'autre pour permettre aux rouleaux d'alimentation gauche et droit
(28, 30) de pivoter de leur première position (334, 335) respective à leur seconde
position (336, 337) respective.
10. Procédé selon la revendication 9 comprenant en outre l'étape consistant à régler la
vitesse de rotation des rouleaux d'alimentation (28, 30) et des têtes de déchiquetage
(36, 38).
11. Procédé selon la revendication 9 ou 10 :
chaque rouleau d'alimentation (28, 30) comprenant un corps de rouleau (340, 490),
chaque corps de rouleau portant sur sa surface extérieure une pluralité de pointes
(368, 816) pour saisir le rémanent à déchiqueter ;
l'étape consistant à tirer le rémanent vers les têtes de déchiquetage (36, 38) comprenant
les étapes consistant à :
amener les pointes sur le corps de rouleau de chaque rouleau d'alimentation à venir
en prise avec le rémanent ; et
générer une force propulsive vers les têtes de déchiquetage (36, 38) qui agit sur
le rémanent.
12. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 11, l'étape consistant à amener
les dents coupantes (540) des têtes de déchiquetage (36, 38) à entrer en contact avec
le rémanent et à le réduire en copeaux, comprenant l'étape consistant à :
générer une force d'impact agissant sur le rémanent dans une direction opposée à la
direction de la force propulsive ; et
déchiqueter le rémanent en fendant la partie intérieure du rémanent.